Truett said he wanted to recognize the choices and, in some cases, the sacrifices the honored students had made to earn membership in the National Honor Society.

But their achievement is not just the honor itself, he said, referencing Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote that "the reward of a thing well done, is to have done it."

The four pillars of the National Honor Society - scholarship, leadership, service and character - are keys to leading a fulfilling life, Truett said.

And each of those qualities is "the sum of the choices we make in life," he said.

Scholarship is not just about earning good grades, but developing a life-long love of learning, Truett said.

Leadership is not just about being elected or appointed to high office, he said.

"An office doesn't teach you how to be a leader," Truett said. "Leadership is empowering others to believe in your vision."

Many people see community service as simply a means to an end, he said.

The question is whether you are doing your service for the right reasons and trying to make the world a better place, Truett said.

He quoted 19th century British poet, historian and politician Thomas McCauley, who said a person's character is revealed by an action he takes if he knows no one will find out about it.

"In the end, your day-to-day decisions will reveal your character to the world," Truett added.

Following Truett's remarks, the traditional tapping ceremony was held. One at a time, the new inductees were accompanied around the auditorium by a current NHS member.

As each new members was announced, a current NHS officer read excerpts from an essay each inductee wrote for his or her application.

NHS co-adviser Kelly Anders said applicants must have a grade-point average of at least 3.5 to qualify for membership. Juniors must have completed at least 50 hours of community service and have four leadership recommendations.

A faculty committee reviewed each application and made the final selection for membership, said Anders, who serves as NHS adviser with Deb Kaufman.

Parents were notified their children had been accepted into the society, but were asked to keep the news a secret before the ceremony, she said.

The Grandview chapter of the society has been involved in a number of service activities this year, including coordinating the high school's recycling program and raising money to purchase DVDs of children's movies that are distributed to patients at Children's Hospital, Anders said.

The NHS will also organize an ice cream social for graduating seniors later this year, she said.

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
ThisWeek Community News ~ 5300 Crosswind Drive, Columbus, OH 43228 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service